James Earl Jones, the highly decorated actor behind the voices of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, in addition to countless other film and TV roles, passed away this morning at the age of 93. It didn’t take long at all for the tributes to start pouring in.
The most heartbreaking of all of them, though, might come from his Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill. Hamill, of course, played Luke Skywalker, the son of Darth Vader, and wrote a simple but fitting tribute: “RIP Dad.”
#RIP dad 💔 https://t.co/YXpFoBb2Ua
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) September 9, 2024
Over the span of his career, Jones appeared in more than 80 films and received three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and an Honorary Academy Award in 2011. There’s an inspiring story behind his voice work too, considering he overcame a severe stutter to become one of the most famous voices in Hollywood.
It’s little wonder, then, that so many tributes were quick to come in. New York’s Empire State Building posted a shot from its Star Wars dynamic light show event earlier this year that displays Darth Vader against the iconic skyscraper.
Rest in Peace Lord Vader pic.twitter.com/HsFn5bkQC0
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) September 9, 2024
Major League Baseball even paid tribute to Jones, citing his baseball-related films Field of Dreams and The Sandlot. The Simpsons, on which Jones appeared three times, shared a sweet remembrance as well.
RIP James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who memorably appeared in the iconic baseball movies “Field of Dreams” and “The Sandlot”
Jones gave a moving recitation of our National Anthem at the 1993 MLB All-Star Game in Baltimore pic.twitter.com/1rFfxe5IFY
— MLB (@MLB) September 9, 2024
RIP James Earl Jones. This is indeed a disturbing universe. pic.twitter.com/VbLnnUFEoW
— The Simpsons (@Simpsons_tweets) September 9, 2024
Others paid more personal tribute to Jones. Kevin Costner, who starred alongside Jones in Field of Dreams, wrote on Instagram, “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams.”
More Hollywood actors, including Colman Domingo and Octavia Spencer, joined in on the celebration of Jones’ life and career. “Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever,” Spencer wrote on Instagram. “His voice and talent will be remembered always.”
See more tributes to Jones below.
Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best. pic.twitter.com/vD0V7y613w
— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) September 9, 2024
On behalf of all of us at The Walt Disney Company, we extend our deepest condolences to Disney Legend James Earl Jones’ family and loved ones. Rest in Peace. https://t.co/If0bwtElEc pic.twitter.com/R4Kj6rFHKx
— Disney (@Disney) September 9, 2024
James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) September 9, 2024
Forever and always 🖤 pic.twitter.com/IZAWe5L22a
— Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) September 9, 2024
Besides #StarWars, the first film I remember ever seeing was #Claudine. #JamesEarlJones is a part of my cinematic DNA. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it. 💔 pic.twitter.com/iZmK1tfZba
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 9, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear of James’s passing. He was the voice of CNN and our brand for many decades, uniquely conveying through speech instant authority, grace, and decorum. That remarkable voice is just one of many things the world will miss about James. Our thoughts are… pic.twitter.com/cdAAY9Ew1C
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) September 9, 2024
Thumbnail credit: Getty Images
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
